The 1980s in retailing: A prospective view Part 1

Earlier this year (RDM, March/April 1981), David Walters examined the 1970s in retailing. It was a strikingly hectic decade, with endemic inflation and the energy crisis of 1974 providing the backcloth for substantial changes in consumption patterns. Meanwhile the retail sector itself was racked by change. The move towards size — especially in food outlets and the emergence of the superstore and hypermarket — was consistent throughout the decade, whilst at the other end of the spectrum small grocers disappeared by the hundreds. Diversification was the watchword, with food multiples moving into non‐food areas and new sectors, such as DIY and home improvement, developing. In this sequel, David Walters looks forward to the 1980s and outlines future trends as he sees them. How will market structures change? What direction will consumer behaviour take in a period of mass unemployment? What will be the impact of technology? Part 2 of this feature follows in our next issue.